Local Attractions for Tourists Visiting Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a state in central Mexico, known for its historic importance, archaeological sites, wine, tequila and culture. Check out this slideshow to see some of the local attractions this state has to offer its visitors, beyond Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende.

Guanajuato is easily one of the best wine-growing regions in Mexico, and its vineyards are routinely awarded honors for their wines. Near its largest cities and Dolores Hidalgo is where travelers can follow the "Ruta de los vinos" or the Wine Route, with plenty of wineries to choose from. Some notables include Camino de Vinos, Garambullo, Tres Raices, Cuna de Tierra and Vinicola Toyan. Here, visitors enjoy the sweeping vistas of the vineyards and take part in delicious wine tastings.

If you're in favor of another Mexican alcohol instead of wine, check out one of the area's tequila producers, which offer everything from tastings to agrotours that give travelers a deep dive into how they produce tequila from agave plants. Some notable tequila producers include the House of Tequila Corralejo, the Tequilera Real de Penjamo and the Huanimaro Tequila Huani.

Guanajuato is known for producing a wide variety of handicrafts, most notably from the medium of clay or pottery. Brightly painted floral pottery can be found throughout the region and can brighten any outdoor or indoor area. Basketry, brasswork, embroidery and weaving, glasswork and other media are also produced in this region, making it a great place to find locally crafted gifts to bring back home.

The Teatro Juarez, or Juarez Theater, is a stunning cultural attraction located in Guanajuato City. This early 20th-century building is a dazzling place, designed with a blend of Greek and Roman architectural styles. A trip to the capital city of the state isn't complete without a tour of this building and some photos along its columned facade.

What could quite possibly be the most beautiful castle in the New World is located in Guanajuato. The historic Castillo Santa Cecilia dates back as early as 1686, when Mexico was still called New Spain. The beautifully medieval exterior can transport travelers back to medieval Spain, while its history of star-studded guests to the castle-turned-hotel include foreign kings and queens.

The mining town of Mineral de Pozos was once an important mining town and is now a tourist attraction, with plenty of myths and stories to share with its visitors. Its most popular attractions are the Hornos Jesuitas, the abandoned town including the church, as well as the mines that are still open for travelers to tour through. Located here throughout the year are film festivals, art festivals and other fun events.

Dolores Hidalgo, now home to wineries and other beautiful attractions, was once the site of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in the late 1800s. The site of the "Grito de Dolores," or the "Cry of Dolores," issued by the local priest that inspired the people to revolt, this town boasts an uncommon and important history.

Beautiful Catholic churches and cathedrals can be found across Guanajuato, but one in particular is located in Salvatierra. The Santuario Dioscesano de Nuestra Señora de la Luz dates as far back as the mid-1700s, and its pink facade and tall towers dominate the town's skyline. For a different cathedral with a decidedly different architectural design, visit the St. Michael Archangel Parish in San Miguel de Allende.

Guanajuato offers five different archaeological zones to explore: Plazuelas, Peralta, Cañada de la Virgen, El Cóporo and Arroyo Seco, which feature an array of different ancient leftovers, from pre-Columbian pyramids to prehistoric rock art.

While Guanajuato is dry and warm, it's also incredibly lush. A meander around San Miguel de Allende, Salamanca, Moroleon or any other city is sure to bring this to mind, complete with parks, flowers and trees. Head out of the city towards the mountains and you'll find vineyards, El Charco de Ingenio, a botanical garden, along with the various mountains in the region, some of which are accessible to hike, like the Sierra de Lobos.